Segment V4.5: Streamlines

(Related to Textbook Section 4.1.4 - Streamlines, Streaklines, and Pathlines)

A streamline is a line that is everywhere tangent to the velocity field. For steady flow, the streamlines are fixed lines in a flow field which show the paths the fluid particles follow.

Streamlines created by injecting dye into water flowing steadily around a series of cylinders reveal the complex flow pattern around the cylinders. Also, as shown for flow around a series of airfoil shapes, the stagnation streamline and corresponding stagnation point can be easily observed (see top airfoil). Stagnation points on the other airfoils could be located by adjusting the upstream position of the incoming streamlines.